Improve technique without lessons?

[Baller]

I am very new to bowling: I just joined a non-sanctioned league 2 weeks ago and ended up purchasing a Roto Grip Shout a few days ago. The only 'lesson' I have been given, is by the nice man at the pro shop that I went to. He gave me tips on where to stand(one board left of the center dot with my left foot), where to aim(3rd dot from the right) and how to throw my finger tip ball enough to get it to hook like it's supposed to. He taught me to keep my thumb at 9 o'clock and middle and ring fingers around 3 o'clock. He told me originally to keep my thumb at 10 o'clock and middle and ring finger at 4 o'clock, but my wrist kept turning, so he suggested the previous method for the time being.

Anyways, long story short. I'm very new, can sometimes hook the ball and don't believe that my form is correct in the slightest. Is there a way to learn proper throwing technique, approach and release without getting lessons? Are there any online resources any of you could recommend or any tips in general?

Any tips or resources would be greatly appreciated.

[JohnnyG]

Using the hinge technique allows the bowler to apply much less muscle to pull the ball back into a higher backswing using the fact that the ball already has reached maximum momentum at the bottom of the pendulum. .

[RobLV1]

As a new bowler, you are a perfect candidate for lessons. From a coaching standpoint, it's much easier to teach a new bowler good technique than it is to try and break the bad habits that long time bowlers have spent years ingraining into their games.

[classygranny]

Baller, I see you are in Chandler. There are a lot of great coaches in our area and most are reasonable. I've used a few, and am now working with Michael Haugen, Jr. He is very reasonably priced, always very clear in his instructions, easy going, and will meet you at whatever lanes you want. If you are interested in more info, pm me.

Coaching is the best way to get started on the right track. Rob is right....it is much easier to learn something new than to have to learn to correct a bad habit.

Great to have you on the boards!

[Baller]

Baller, I see you are in Chandler. There are a lot of great coaches in our area and most are reasonable. I've used a few, and am now working with Michael Haugen, Jr. He is very reasonably priced, always very clear in his instructions, easy going, and will meet you at whatever lanes you want. If you are interested in more info, pm me.

Coaching is the best way to get started on the right track. Rob is right....it is much easier to learn something new than to have to learn to correct a bad habit.

Great to have you on the boards!

Thanks! I'll send you a pm for more information.

[Konvict1982]

Getting a coach is a very good idea but if you are like me with limited funds you can learn a lot by watching videos and trying different things but expect to take a lot longer than with a coach. I have been bowling for 14 months and haven't gotten a coach yet but I have taken a lot of advice from different bowlers and watched a lot of instructional videos. Some of the stuff worked and some didn't but I have been steady improving over the past year. Started out lucky to throw 100 and unable to throw a hook to learning different types of hooking methods (2 hand, 1 hand no thumb, 1 hand full roller, and finally my current 1 hand finger tip) finished my fall league with a 136 average and spent a month practicing new releases and started summer league with a 155 average (currently up to 163).

Something I did back in February was shoot a 5 minute video of my approach and release showing different frames and posted it to a group on FB and got some really good basic pointers that improved my game but don't expect a lot from online coaching at best you will get just basic tips that a coach will give you in one lesson. I am sure you can get some tips here posting a video if possible but if you do try to show different angles and multiple shots good and bad to get the best advice and take all advice with a grain of salt not everyone bowls the same and not everything will work for you.

I am trying to get with a coach now finally after all of this time bowling because I feel like i hit a point where I am not progressing anymore on my own and need some tips on my spare game. Good luck!

[MICHAEL]

Your question was, how to improve your techniques without taking lessions. I guess I would agree that lessons can be a good thing for sure, but you can lean a lot,,,,,,
I have hanging out here! I know many,,,, MANY gifted bowlers that have never had a lession. FOR SURE THEY ARE ALL house pattern bowlers! Many have their own unique way, and style! Their is no absolute method in my book, what ever works, for you is the best way to bowl. I am a perfect example of a none coached bowler, who started bowing league at 62, and now at almost 66 has had some great scores!

ONE THING that has helped me a bunch is the advice I see, and read about on this site! Some good coaches like Rob, are constantly writing articles that I take in, and then practice at the lanes.

YOUR QUESTION was (how to improve without lessons),,, I bowled 2 perfect games this last fall, at 65, without lessons, also a best so far 780 series! Would this have happened without the knowledge I have pick up form good advice on this site.... I DOUBT it VERY MUCH! Knowledge is always power, coaching is optional! Coaching is a GOOD THING FOR SURE,,,, but many times a person doesn't have the money, or even lives close to a Coach. Also, like in many things in life,,, there are GREAT Coaches and average coaches, I am sure.

2 answer your question, you can FLY with the Eagles even without Coaching, ,,,,, READ and WATCH all you can about the mechanics of bowling ,,,,, or find a GOOD Coach!


I truly believe that Coaching and practice will get you SO FAR ONLY! I know many on this site that have had lot's of Coaching, from various big name coaches, and talk about them almost like some people do their shrinks! LOL,,,(

Everyone has a certain LIMIT that they will reach regardless of their knowledge or Coaching! If knowledge, Coaching and practice were what it takes to be a great bowler, most Coaches would be Pro level bowlers!

SUMMERY:

I wish I had the knowledge Rob has on this site, I am sure it would be a huge advantage, but only to the limits that my mind body allow me to be!

1. Coaching I am sure HELPS!

2. Knowledge is VERY IMPORTANT, ( which can be achieved through places like this site, or coaching.

3. Can you do well bowling House Oil without coaching,,, YES,,, some just have the neurological gifts that allow it to happen, I have bowled with many 220 bowlers that have never been coached, but do have the knowledge! Knowledge and great scores run hand, in hand!

[Joker]

i never really had lessons either and am a self-taught bowler. The best thing i think you can do is watch some vids of the pros on tour. Each one has a different style, but importantly at the release point they're doing about the same things depending if you classify bowlers to their styles. Theres a lot of pros in slow motion and coaching videos on youtube.

[bowl1820]

Improve technique without lessons? You made the first step and are asking questions.

Bowling in a league is another, your able to watch many others styles there and pick information there.

Getting lessons is another step, even if it's just doing a bowling clinic where they help several people at a time.

Practice, Practice, Practice

[Baller]

Thanks for all of the great advice everyone! Also, an extra thank you to Michael. It gives me hope that even if I can't afford a coach that I can improve with the right knowledge.

I am going bowling for 2 hours tonight and tomorrow is my league night! I have a 2 year old son and a new puppy, so funds are a bit tight now.

I'll be looking into private lessons, even if it is only 1 or 2 to get me going in the right direction.